I recently had the chance to visit Sevilla for a work conference and really fell in love with the architecture and rich culture of the Andalucia region of Spain. Sevilla is the capital of Andalucia and famous as the birthplace of flamenco. With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Sevilla is the 4th largest city in Spain. It’s Old Town district is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a popular stop for visitors to Spain.

GETTING THERE

Sevilla is in southern Spain and, as a small city, doesn’t necessarily have direct flights from the US. However, it is easy enough to connect through Madrid or Barcelona, if flying straight through. Personally, I recommend flying into Madrid for a few days and then taking the train down to Sevilla. The route takes only about 2.5 hours, and the train is typically on time and cost effective. Plus you’ll get to enjoy the scenic countryside as you head south.

WHERE TO STAY

• Mercer Hotel Sevilla – This luxury boutique hotel is right in the heart of Old Town and was a former Andalusian house. The property has just 12 rooms and a sleek, modern design. The rooftop terrace and pool are a perk, especially for the hotter summer months.

• Hotel Alfonso XIII – Part of The Luxury Collection, this hotel was built in the 1920s to accommodate prestigious attendees of the Ibero-American Exhibition. A Virtuoso property, this is one of the grandest addresses in Sevilla today.
• H10 Casa de la Plata – This 4-star property is a fabulous option for those looking to save a bit on the budget. Newly opened in May 2019, the style is contemporary, yet traditional with Andalusian ceramic tiles filling the lobby and guest rooms. I stayed here personally and can highly recommend it. Plus the location in Old Town is fabulous.

WHAT TO SEE

• Royal Alcazar Palace – This complex is comprised of a 12th century fortress and 3 palaces. Rich in history, the Alcazar has been designated a UNESCO site since 1987. Queen Isabella actually had meetings here with Christopher Columbus before he set sail for America. Tours are offered daily and should be booked in advance of your trip. You can also visit the palace at night, which I recommend to see it all lit up.

• Sevilla Cathedral – The Cathedral of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Sevilla, and the second notable UNESCO site. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral took over the title of “largest cathedral in the world” upon completion, and still holds that title to this day. The building really is massive and quite an impressive architectural feat.

• Archivo de Indias – The third UNESCO site in the city, Archivo de Indias houses 40,000 documents and maps referring to voyages to the New World, spanning three centuries. The 16th century building was a former stock exchange and is also renowned as an example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

• Maria Luisa Park & Plaza de Espana – A beautiful green space in the city, complete with palms and flowers, Maria Luisa Park is worth a visit on a sunny day. The Plaza de Espana is a square in the center of the park that was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

I’d love to help you plan your next trip to Southern Spain! Sevilla pairs perfectly with a few days in Cordoba & Grenada. I also love the idea of hopping down to Mallorca or Menorca at the end to enjoy some R&R and beach time. Please contact us to plan your next trip to Spain!